Schalke's Westermann out for a month

Schalke and Germany defender Heiko Westermann has been ruled out for a month after undergoing surgery on a meniscus injury.

The 26-year-old damaged his knee during Sunday's 1-0 win over Nurnberg and as well as missing the Royal Blues' next three matches, he will also be unable to join the national team for a get-together later this month.

His injury will also probably end speculation linking fellow defenders Rafinha and Benedikt Howedes with a move away from the club this winter.

Both have been attracting interest during the current transfer period, but with Westermann set to miss up to a month and Peer Kluge also carrying a knock from the Nurnberg game, Schalke manager Felix Magath can ill-afford to lose any more defensive players.